WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – All Florida-operated coronavirus test sites will temporarily close when a tropical system threatens the state.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management said Wednesday that all COVID-19 test sites for driving and climbing with state support will close at 5 pm Thursday.
“The test sites are being closed as a precaution to keep people operating and assisting the sites safe,” the state said in a press release. “All sites have separate structures, including tents and other equipment, that cannot withstand strong tropical storm winds and could cause damage to people and property if they are not insured.”
Some sites will reopen on Tuesday, while all remaining sites are expected to reopen by August 5.
“However, that could change and what you can see is that some sites are likely to come back online earlier, depending on when authorization is given and which areas, if any, are affected,” spokesman Mike Jachles said. .
Affected locations include the Palm Beaches FITTEAM Ballpark in West Palm Beach and the South County Civic Center near Delray Beach. Click here for a complete list of state-supported sites.
Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 is expected to become Tropical Storm Isaias and could pose a threat to Florida this weekend.
The Palm Beach County Health Care District said COVID-19 testing will also be suspended at its sites on Friday and Saturday. That includes Delray Beach, Lantana, West Palm Beach, Jupiter and Belle Glade clinics.
Trials will be closed at the FITTEAM Ballpark in Palm Beaches on Monday, but other locations will be evaluated to determine if it is safe to open them.
Anyone with appointments can call the test hotline at 561-642-1000 on Monday to verify if scheduling has resumed.
The testing site at Florida Atlantic University will also be closed on Friday.
.
